U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Announces Briefing On The Impact Of Criminal Background Checks And The EEOC's Conviction Records Policy On The Employment Of Black And Hispanic Workers

WASHINGTON, Dec. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The United States Commission on Civil Rights announces that it will hold a briefing on the impact of criminal background checks and the EEOC's conviction records policy on employment of black and Hispanic workers. The briefing will take place at the new headquarters offices of the Commission on Friday, December 7, 2012 at 9:00 AM ET, 1331 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Suite 1150, Washington, DC 20425. The offices are accessed using the F Street NW entrance. Interested members of the public are invited to attend.

The Commission has initiated this investigation to determine whether the new EEOC Guidance policy or other prohibitions or limitations on the use of criminal background checks results in lower job opportunities and reduced employment overall among minorities, including non-offenders. Employers use criminal history checks to help ensure a safe environment for customers and employees, reduce legal liability for negligent hiring, reduce or prevent theft, embezzlement or other criminal activity, comply with state laws requiring background checks, and assess overall applicant trustworthiness. From the EEOC's point of view, the increased use of criminal background checks may indicate possible disparate impact discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.

Deaf or hearing-impaired persons who will attend the meeting and require the services of a sign language interpreter should contact Pam Dunston at (202) 376-8105 at least seven business days prior to the briefing.